Category: Missions

Way back in 2014 Johnny and I went on a two-week trip to Italy. One of the places that we spent time was at St. Peters Basilica. It was a very emotional time for me. To say that it was hard would be an understatement. Seeing so much glorification going to Jesus’ Apostles was so odd to me. All through our time in Europe, I was struck by the amazing art and rich history. But when it came to going to the many chapels, it was difficult for me to see such glorification going to “men” rather to Jesus.

Now, the contrast.

On our plane trip home from our European trip, we had an afternoon layover in Charlotte South Carolina. While at the airport we saw that we were close to The Billy Graham Library…a museum of sorts. Besides having the history of Rev. Graham’s ministry, the grounds also have the actual home that Billy had been raised in. As well there is the grave of his dear wife Ruth.

We decided to take a couple of hours to go and visit the grounds. Learning all about Rev. Graham’s ministry was so interesting to me and seeing his childhood home was very moving. But it was Ruth’s grave that most touched me. There was such a stark contrast to me…from the gravesite of Ruth Graham to those of the Apostles. Her humble gravestone read “End of construction-Thank you for your patience”. She was buried in a wooden coffin made by the Louisiana State Penitentiary inmates at Angola, lined with blankets from Wal-Mart.

This week Billy passed from his life on earth to his life with Jesus in heaven. Wow! I can imagine the celebration and the reunion in heaven and can only imagine Jesus’ words to him…”Well done, good and faithful servant”.

Rev. Graham is expected to be buried in the same plain wood coffin made by the inmates as was Ruth. He will be buried beside her. Once when Billy was asked who was the greatest Christian he ever knew…his answer…was his wife Ruth.

Over 55 years of ministry, Billy Graham preached the Gospel message to more than 215 million people in over 185 countries around the world. I heard Billy Graham in person at more than one event earlier in my life. I count myself blessed to have experienced a piece of his marvelous ministry as an evangelist. What a great servant of God!

The Billy Graham Library, Charlotte South Carolina.

Replica of the fireplace at the Graham’s home. “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” carved in German.

Replica of where Rev. Graham did his broadcasts.

Rev. Graham’s travel bag and passports. The well-worn Bibles that he used to study and preach from.

Last month I once again boarded a plane and flew out of the country. This time on a mission trip with The Rock of Roseville to Mission of Grace in Haiti. There was a group of 25 or so that went. I was the only one that was not from this church, but they lovingly welcomed me along. I had my camera and was blessed to be there to document about the ministry in Carries Haiti and tell a story with my pictures.

Our group stayed across the highway from where the community and the mission was. Within walking distance there were two orphanages, and elderly home, a church, a school and a clinic that we went to. While there we ministered by praying, worshiping together, hugging, feeding, giving out clothing and doing crafts with the children and teens. There were also 7 incredibly selfless men from our group that headed up the hill (a 10 hour trip) to serve a community that had been devastated by hurricane Matthew. They replaced a roof that had been blown off of a local church. Many of these men came home sick. But never did any of us notice any complaining or grumbling from them. These were some humble God honoring men.

There is no way to describe the poverty that these Haitians live in. But they are kind and joyful non the less. The kingdom of God is being infiltrated into this small community by the work of this mission and those who come to serve along side of them.

This was a trip that I am beyond grateful to have been a part of. To God be the glory.

Last month a team from LIFEhouse Church went to Holsby Sweden to work with Greater Europe Mission at a Torch Bearer Christian school. Greater Europe Mission is a mission organization that helps with many Christian organizations all throughout Europe. The Torch Bearer school in Holsby Brunn was in need of help with the renovation of a 100 year old building. A group of 13 of us (we called ourself the Bakers Dozen) spent two weeks on this project. My main purpose was to document, bringing back images to our church as well as provide these organizations with photos. It was also a blessing to take family portraits of two of the mission families during our stay. I as well, got in with the rest of them on the manual labor. The experience was fabulous and I am so grateful to have been able to be a part of it. Below is a sprinkling of the photos that I took of our time there.

What a special experience…being a part of a mission trip. This month I will be joining a group from The Rock of Roseville on a mission trip to the island of Haiti. Below are pictures from our last meeting before we depart. As you are well aware, there has been severe devastation to this small island. Providentially, it was months ago that we as a group got together to start the process of becoming prepared to be part of this time in this poor and needy country. We will be going to a mission called Mission of Grace Haiti to minister.

If you happen to be reading this, please pause for a moment and pray for this country that has been hit so hard with hurricane Matthew.
God is in control…that is the surest thing that I can say. Again, please pray.